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Orchid Invitation - Photo © Paul Cutright
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We have certainly experienced a tremendous amount of love and support since Paul’s “heart episode” last month. Most of it has come in the form of e-mails, cards and phone calls. Some of it by local friends chaufferring Paul to various medical appointments. And some of it even in the form of unexpected material assistance from tequila to checks! (The tequila was actually prescribed by Paul’s surgeon.)
Learning to ask for help has been a life-long process for both of us. We like to think we are better at it now, although there was not as much asking on our part recently as there was simply the spontaneous generosity of giving by people who love and care about us. We learned how much of a gift it can be to others to ALLOW them to give of themselves out of their own areas of abundance.
Below is a piece by Steve Goodier about giving and receiving help that seemed relevent. We hope you enjoy it.
Some people never need help. One man caught his foot in railroad tracks. He tried to pull it out, but his efforts only seemed to make matters worse.
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Oh So Santa Fe! - Photograph © Paul Cutright
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It has been five weeks today since my open heart surgery. I’m supposed to be walking 1.5 miles per day now to strengthen my heart and expand my lung capacity. We usually just walk around our neighborhood in the cool of the early evening. This morning Layne and I went up on the mountain for a walk in the woods, at about 8,000+ feet where I could definitely feel the increase in altitude from our normal 7,000 feet. My heart is healing and getting stronger.
One of the most remarkable and touching things about this experience has been the number of people from our past who have contacted us with their love and healing wishes. Many of them people who have been very important and instrumental in our lives that we have not been in touch with for more than 25 years. Yet, the felt presence of love in these communications was palpable and moving. What a gift!
The experience reminded us of the following anonymous piece of wisdom that we want to share with you.
Reason, Season, or Lifetime
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Dahlia Mandala - Photo © Paul Cutright
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Mystic Portal of Light - Photograph © Paul Cutright
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Twilight New Moon with Locust Tree - Photo © Paul Cutright
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Pampas Grass in the Golden Hour - Photo (c) Paul Cutright
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Choices are not always “either/or”, sometimes they are “both/and”. It often takes great wisdom and lots of experience to be impeccably discerning.
Following on last post we were reminded of this set of distinctions written by a friend and colleague back in 1980. Perhaps they are relevant and worthy of reflection today as we go through any kind of life changes or upheaval. We hope you find them thought provoking and helpful in some way.
And thank you, one and all, who took your precious time to respond with such love, wisdom and care to our last post. We were overwhelmed with such a generous and thoughtful outpouring of love, care and support. Our hearts are full and that, in itself, is healing.
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Peaceful Sunset - Photo © Paul Cutright
